Cortona, Italy is one of the most famous Tuscan hill towns . For anyone visiting central Italy, the sights of Cortona are definitely worth a day at the very least, preferably three days. Cortona's Museums house world-class art, ranging from Etruscan and Egyptian in the MAEC,through early Renaissance in the Cortona Diocesan Museum. Cortona is well-endowed with a variety of Renaissance architecture even though the prevalent character of the townscape is mediaeval. The main piazza of Cortona, Piazza della Repubblica, has a wonderful ambience and forms the focal centre of Cortona. The highest point on the hill of Cortona is dominated by a huge Medicean fortress from which the visitor can admire not only the town but the entire Val di Chiana.

Cortona is easily accessed by rail from Rome and Florence and the nearest station is Camucia-Cortona, three km away, requiring a bus or taxi ride to reach the centre of Cortona. Walking uphill to Cortona is for fit people only, but one is rewarded by the walk with access to a number of Etruscan tombs along the route.

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​Cortona: why it is worth coming.......​The well-equipped and comfortably furnished Tuscan and Umbrian farmhouses, Villas/Townhouses and apartments listed on this site are a perfect base for visiting Tuscany and Italy. Located in the peaceful countryside close by, or in the historic centre of Cortona itself, our properties have inspiring views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Whether you come in search of mysticism, art treasures, to celebrate a special anniversary or simply to enjoy good Italian food and a relaxing vacation, you are sure to find what you are looking for. From the day of your arrival, a local English-speaking caretaker will be available to answer your questions and make you feel at home in the villa,holiday house or hotel of your choice.

​​From Cortona to.......Cortona is an excellent base from which to explore theTuscan , Umbrian and Lazio hilltowns.Best accessed by car, the hilltowns are abundant in this area.

Tuscany:Only 28km away there is the medieval town of Arezzo, the set of the film 'Life is beautiful'.To the northwest, about 50 minutes away, there is Siena. Other nearby Tuscan towns are: Chiusi with its Etruscan museum and tombs;Montepulciano, home of the famous Vino Nobile; Pienza, one Pope's ideal city; and San Casciano dei Bagni with its wonderful day spa and mineral baths.

Umbria :To the north about 10 minutes by car there is is Castiglione del Lago, a lovely town which is on a narrow peninsula on Lake Trasimeno.Further along there is Panicale, (about 35 minutes from Cortona). A drive around the lake will take you to Tuoro and Passignano. Both towns have a ferry service to access the three islands on the lake, one of which is called Isola Maggiore , and is really worth visiting.To the northeast, about 30 minutes drive there is Perugia, to the south there is Assisi, Todi , Orvieto , Spello and Gubbio which are unique Umbrian towns.

Lazio: Orvieto: beautiful town of Etruscan originsYou can't miss the Dying Town ' as said by Rick Steves of Civita di Bagnoregio , only about one and a half hour drive from Cortona .All of these interesting towns can be reached as a day trip and each has its own special attractions. Rome and Florence can be easily visited by driving 5 minutes to the Camucia train station, or the station at Terontola, leaving the car and taking an InterCity or Regional train. It takes about an hour and a half / two hours to get to Florence or Rome. It's a relaxing way to visit these big cities and then return to the tranquilty of Cortona at the end of the day.